THE Mineral Resource Authority will review several mining and taxation laws to enable the government and people to receive maximum benefits from the industry, minister Byron Chan said in parliament.
In response to a series of questions from Northern Governor Gary Juffa, Chan said there was no law to regulate companies during exploration to deal with and interact with landowners and provincial governments.
The review and amendment would allow that to happen.,
Monitoring and enforcement of exports would also be included.
Chan said another way to control export of gold would be the setting up of a gold refinery.
This was already approved by the National Executive Council.
Chan said an independent audit on the administration of MRA was under way and that it would extend that to the audit of mining activities and inspections.
By law, Chan said, warden hearing should include respective provincial governments and landowners and any warden hearing in the future could be done with the inclusion of stakeholders.
Chan said Porgera and other mines would also have a review soon when funds were available.
Meanwhile, the Lands Title Commission would announce its report on the Ramu NiCo mine by April, Justice Minister and Attorney-General Kerenga Kua said.
He said the hearing was postponed by two weeks following a re-routeing of the nickel pipeline as a result of landslips and new landowners being involved.
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